Spring 2004

Eagarfhocal

The death of Uachtarán an Chomhaltais Aintóin Ó Fionnagáin came as an immense shock to his colleagues and friends at home and abroad. Tony was elected President of Comhaltas at the Annual Congress last May.

During his short term of office and despite his illness, Tony fulfilled his duties with diligence and dignity. His quiet and courteous demeanour endeared him to all who came to know him.

It was at Cultúrlann na hÉireann, where he had officiated at a number of meetings that weekend, that Tony departed this life. He was among his friends with whom he shared so many interests particularly the native cultural traditions of Ireland.

To his wife Ann and family we extend our heartfelt sympathy and appreciation.

Long before Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann was founded in 1951, Irish native music enjoyed a certain status albeit in the homes of rural Ireland. Most of the dance music and airs, which are preserved in manuscript of published format, have been around for about three hundred years or…

The first and most obvious thing to explain is the term ‘Sean-nos’. This does not necessarily refer to any musical terminology but to a way of life as experienced by our people who witnessed many forced changes to the old ways. It is a rather vague way of describing their daily…

On a cold winter’s night in last December Gaelic scholars and Irish leaders gathered at the Leab House at Harvard University, in a lavish dining hall seeped in tradition. With fireplace blazing and chandeliers turned low, forty invited guests sat down…

Tony Finnegan’s sudden death in December occasioned intense grief in his native Meath and throughout Comhaltas. Tony was a worthy President of the organisation because he personified the values which have made Comhaltas into a national movement, capable of creatively moulding the cultural identity of Ireland. With…